Poop Eating - Coprophagia

The
“ick” factor you assign to this article probably has a lot to do with your
present state of mind. Some readers will find that it instantly engages their
gag reflex. Others have witnessed so many stunning developments over the past
few weeks and months — a Cubs world championship; the Brexit vote;
the U.S. Presidential election — that nothing can faze them anymore. Still
others, reeling from several of those same recent occurrences, may view this
topic as an uncomfortably bizarre life analogy of sorts.

Regardless
of what comes to mind when you read it, recognize that writing about it is no
Caribbean vacation either. But let’s face it: Confronting the condition is the
courageous thing to do. Medically, it’s called coprophagia— but it’s
more commonly known as dog poop eating, potty mouth, fecal feasting, turd
tasting, dung dining, and “the single grossest thing I’ve ever seen.” Take
heart, though… because there are steps you can take to address it.

First,
let’s remember that turds aren’t taboo to dogs. I mean, take just a moment to
visualize the mortifying ways our canines often greet us, and one another. See?
Dogs don’t share our same social inhibitions; and they have no inborn drive to
define excrement as unpleasant. Plus, being naturally nose-propelled — not to
mention fairly near to the ground — our pups routinely encounter stool while
exploring their environment.

So
coprophagia is often a purely compulsive behavior. However, it can also have
underlying medical origins. Some of its causes can include:

Parasites

These
pesky buggers can make a home in the intestines, leaching nutrients until pups
actually experience low-level malnourishment stemming from vitamin and/or
mineral deficiencies. Enter stool, which — much like fertilizer — is
nutrient-rich. When biological levels get out of whack, the body sometimes
begins seeking out missing elements in strange places.

Malabsorption

Veterinarian
Dr.
Richard H. Pitcairn notes that any health-related issue involving a
decrease in nutrient absorption could potentially trigger coprophagia. The
ailment in question could range from a general digestive disorder, to
conditions like Celiac disease, to basic enzyme imbalance.

Yeah,
it’s true, mama dogs often ingest puppy excrement to keep the nest area clean.
This is perhaps the ultimate example of selflessly heroic Mom behavior … and
young pups like to mimic.

Scavenging

My
sweet rescue Bichon Sparky was a perfect
angel — except for his diabolical habit of treating our cat’s litter box like
the neighborhood Golden Corral. Then a canine behaviorist pointed out that he’d
been raised in profoundly neglectful conditions. Over time, pups in desperate
circumstances can learn to raid garbage cans and pursue non-food items that
make many of us queasy. (Check out our recent article on how to
keep your pups away from the litter box buffet.)

So
have you noticed signs of coprophagia in your canine? Then as a first
step, it’s extremely important to have a trusted veterinarian evaluate your
furry friend. Underlying medical conditions, once treated, may resolve the
problem altogether. But if your pet’s physical health checks out, there are
several targeted lifestyle strategies you can try at home. Many of these can
yield positive results. I know, because they helped Sparky kick the habit for
good.

1. Prevent access

Persistence
can break the compulsion over time — so don’t leave your unattended pup
anywhere near excrement. When your dog eliminates, pick it up
immediately. If you have a cat, cover and clean the litter box regularly, then
watch that area like a hawk. I actually put a bell on Sparky’s collar, so I’d
always know where he was. If that doesn’t work, position the box up high.

2. Use sensory deterrents

Our
pet behaviorist recommended spraying half water/half vinegar or undiluted Bitter Apple on feces directly.
Apparently, this helps to change acidity and aroma in a way that deters certain
dogs.

3. Try interruption training

From
many years spent walking shelter dogs, I’ve learned that consistent
positive-association training can be useful. While out walking, wait until your
dog eliminates. The nanosecond he’s finished, ask for a sit and reward it.
Immediately scoop the poop. If you notice your dog sniffing excrement
along the way, tug the leash, command a sit, then reward again.

4. Change proteins

Try
gradually switching to a different diet with more digestible protein sources.
Fish and salmon are especially digestible. You can also try brands like Nutrisca, which uses
protein-rich chickpeas as a binding agent. Dr. Pitcairn and Dr. Doyle also
advocate cooking natural meat-based diets at home.

5. Supplement with enzymes

I’ve
had fantastic success supplementing with enzymes to improve digestion and
nutrient absorption. I especially like two products: Prozyme
Digestive Enzyme Supplement, and probiotic-containing Digest-All
Plus.
If you’re using dry dog food, try substituting about ¼ cup canned food or pure
meat to incorporate moisture. Then stir in your chosen enzyme formula according
to package directions.

6. Increase fiber

Most dogs who exhibit coprophagia seem
to seek out well-formed stools. So adding stool-softening flaxseed to your
pup’s diet — or a tasteless fiber source like Benefiber — can deter many
dogs.